I N T H I S I S S U E :

Jots from Jensi 1

Upcoming

Events 2

Member News 3

Measuring Alpha

Phi

3

Hope in Georgia 4

Christmas

Brunch 4

Letter from

DKG President

5

Passwords for

DKG site

5

Mini-Grant

Recipients

6

Executive Board

Meeting

7

Website 7

Results of Belk

Charity Sales

8

Copyright

Infringement

8

Birthdays 8

ALPHA PHI INFORMER E D I T E D B Y

L I N M A R T E N A N D S H A R O N

M C M A H A N J A N U A R Y , 2 0 1 5

Jots from Jensi

Resolution for the new year

As 2015 begins, I am reminded of this story:

In the 1960s, a college professor had his sociology class go into inner city

Baltimore to get case histories of two hundred young students. They were

asked to write an evaluation of each student's future. In every case the students

wrote, "They don't have a chance."

Twenty‐five years later, another sociology professor came across the earlier study. He had his students follow up on the project to see what had hap-

pened to those students. With the exception of 20 who had moved away or

died, the class learned that 176 of the remaining 180 had achieved throughout

their lives. The professor was astounded and decided to pursue the matter fur-

ther. Fortunately, all the students were in the area and he was able to

ask each one, "How do you account for your success?" In each case the reply

came with feeling, "There was a teacher…."

That teacher was still alive, so he sought her out and asked the elderly

but still alert woman what formula she had used to help them succeed in life.

The teacher broke into a gentle smile. “It's really very simple," she said. "I loved

them."

No wonder they succeeded. Their teacher loved them.

--‐story borrowed from John Shaver

Aren't we fortunate to be able to touch lives like this? Humbled by the

thought, I think about DKG members: In spite of the myriad obstacles set in our

path by bureaucrats, politicians and the public, we remember what is really im-

portant--the young people in our classrooms.

If you have let other things come between you and the reason you en-tered our profession, I hope you make at least one New Year’s Resolution:

To remember that we are leading women educators who change the

lives of students for the better, thus impacting education worldwide.

P A G E 2

Upcoming Events

A L P H A P H I I N F O R M E R

J A N U A R Y , 2 0 1 5

Not Your Mother's Library!

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, February 3rd, at 5:30 pm at the Chattanooga Public Library (CPL).

The Chattanooga Public Library has undergone a renovation and is no longer your mother's library! It is

very tech savvy. This will be a good tour for anyone who has not visited CPL recently and especially in-

formative for active teachers. Bring a friend! Dr. Corrine Hill will lead the tour beginning on the first

floor in the auditorium. Rumor has it that CPL even has a coffee bar!

Legislative Symposium

Xi State Convention June 4 - 6 at Sewanee, TN Society Representative, Barbara Whiting of Minnesota, is a

multi-talented and knowledgeable woman. One of her pas-

sions is about abolishing human slavery in all its forms. Reg-

istration for the convention is at

www.xistate.org.

Can you believe that Spring is right around the corner?

Our March meeting will be at Hixson UMC in their Friendship Hall. The meeting date is Saturday,

March 7th, at 10:00 am. Our 3 mini grant recipients will each give a SHORT presentation about how they

used their grant funds. Please come and hear their story—which is your story also!

Do You Need Money?

Also at our March meeting, we will have a drawing for $100 for an active teacher. Active teachers, the more meet-

ings you attend, the more times your name goes in the pot for the drawing!

February 3-4, 2015 at the Millennium House in Nashville

Let Sandy Smith know if you are interested.

March 20-21 Advanced Leadership Management Seminar

Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, TN

Application deadline is February 21st!

See www.xistate.org for more information.

Advanced Leadership

July14-18 at Westin Hotel, Savannah, GA

Southeast Regional

Conference Just about the most interesting city in the South (history, architecture, terrific food, unique shop-

ping, quirks [i.e. ghosts!]). Plus—a wonderful conference planned and implemented by our own TN

member, SE Regional Director Becky Sadowski

P A G E 3

Member News

A L P H A P H I I N F O R M E R

J A N U A R Y , 2 0 1 5

Patsy Woodham, Sandy Smith, Susie Westbrook and Jensi Souders helped Alpha Phi member Raquel Har-

ris with CSAS’ Spelling Bee on January 23rd. Jensi was the pronouncer and Patsy, Sandy and Susie were the

judges.

Our love and sympathy to Marcia Christian who lost her father in December.

Maurice Christian was a retired educator in Catoosa County where he served

as a history teacher and retired as assistant superintendent.

Our love and sympathy to Mary Starnes who lost her husband in January. Paul

Starnes was a former state legislator who very ably represented Hamilton

County. Mary is also having some health issues of her own, so keep her in your

thoughts and prayers. Keep in mind that she still loves to get cards and phone

calls.

How does Alpha Phi measure up?

2014 International Convention keynote speaker Sarah Sladek, the author of The Death of Membership

as We Know It, gave valuable tips on what is needed for our Society to build a younger membership.

Among these are:

How does Alpha Phi measure up to building a younger membership?

Exclusivity:

Inclusion:

Trust:

Pride:

Fun:

What does DKG have that no one else has?

What does a member get with her membership?

Build consistency, survey members, and provide what is needed

Share what we are proud of that younger members need

Make sure that each encounter has some positive, fun element

Congratulations to Sharon McMahan, who has been nominated for the Xi State Nominations commit-

tee, which is a four-year elected position.

P A G E 4

A L P H A P H I I N F O R M E R

J A N U A R Y , 2 0 1 5

There is Hope! Fulton County Superintendent Speaks Out for Georgia Education

Dr. Robert Avossa is superintendent of Fulton County Schools. In a recent ranking of best high

schools in Georgia, Fulton County had four schools in the top twenty. Avossa is highly respected

and speaks with authority concerning the state of education in Georgia. On the first session of the

Georgia Legislature he sent an open letter to state legislators. In the letter to the state legislators,

Avossa wrote: “I ask that you think about education as an investment rather than as a budget

item.” He went on to state that there was too much testing and that the Student Learning Objec-

tives process takes time away from instruction while offering little in the way of improving student

achievement. He added that teachers are spending more time proving they are doing their jobs than

being allowed to do them. Students are spending their time proving they can pass a standardized

test rather than mastering content. He stated that fewer people are selecting teaching as a profes-

sion due to frozen pay schedules so we are losing our ability to recruit and retain top talent. He

asked that the Georgia Legislature increase teacher pay and send a clear message that Georgia val-

ues both its students and its teachers.

(If you would like a complete copy of the letter, contact Sharon at mcmahan530@ bellsouth.net.)

Christmas Brunch

Michael Gray, story teller

Christmas brunch in December was a wonderful

event. The food was amazing. Our Christmas Sto-

ryteller is Michael Gray the founder and producer

of The River City Sessions presented monthly at

The Camp House in downtown Chattanooga. The

sessions are recorded live each month and then

broadcast later on WUTC.

Check out his website:

http://therivercitysessions.weebly.com/

http://therivercitysessions.weebly.com/

P A G E 5

A L P H A P H I I N F O R M E R

J A N U A R Y , 2 0 1 5

What’s In a Name? — Letter from DKG International President

Dear State Organization Presidents,

I would like to introduce an idea for your consideration. One of the issues that we face with

promoting our Society as a viable association in the world of professional organizations is that we

hold fast to our Greek names. When I am giving my “elevator speech” about what we do and whom

we represent, I inevitably get the response, “Oh, so you’re a sorority?”

As I travel and meet other DKG members throughout the United States and Canada, I often

ask to which state organization they belong. I will receive “Omega state,” or “Eta state” as an answer.

Now Eta state can be either North Carolina or Saskatchewan, and I have to admit that I have to look

up that Omega is Colorado. Some Latin American countries have Greek names and others do not!

Our European state organizations have their country’s name as their moniker. An administra-

tive board member was corresponding with a state organization president recently about her travel as

Society representative for their upcoming state convention. The president used the initials of the

Greek state organization name in her correspondence, e.g., AR (Alpha Rho), or AZ (Alpha Zeta), or

AK (Alpha Kappa). The administrative board member thought that the state president was referring

to the geographical state, e.g. AR (Arkansas), or AZ (Arizona), or AK (Alaska). The misunderstanding

was corrected, and I am certainly glad she didn’t purchase her plane ticket before it was!

One step that we could take to bring us to a greater understanding of where we are located is

to begin using our geographical names, e.g., Iowa state organization, Indiana state organization, British

Columbia state organization. It may take those who love the Greek designation some adjustment.

They may certainly continue to use it, but it would be most helpful if state organization presidents

considered using the geographical title in their printed materials and conversation.

Lyn Babb Schmid, Ed.D.,

2014-2016 International President

Password Please! Although the public area of the DKG website will be available to everyone, member interaction on the

DKG website will only be accessible by logging in as a member. In order to create a secure environment

and protect member data, the log in will require the use of the six digit member ID number. Members

can find this number on the membership card they receive upon payment of dues to the chapter treasur-

er. The default password (dkg2014society) can be used to log in the first time. The member ID number

and password will be required in order to register online for any of the five regional conferences in 2015. Susie Westbrook can provide you with your password if you have misplaced your card.

P A G E 6

A L P H A P H I I N F O R M E R

J A N U A R Y , 2 0 1 5

Olivia is the Visual Arts and Graphic Design teacher at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Acade-

my (CGLA) where she has been the art teacher for the past two years. She has loved every

minute of it. Olivia is a 2012 graduate of Reinhardt University in North Georgia. She has a

Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelors of Fine Art in Studio Art.

Currently she is pursuing her EDS in Educational Technology at UTC. Olivia teaches 6th and

7th grade students and loves working with the girls to help them achieve their highest poten-

tial. Her classroom is small and oddly shaped with art supplies are all over the space. Olivia requested

$159 to get a Iziggi Wireless Document Camera in order to project demonstrations and directions ensur-

ing all students have access to what she is doing no matter where they are sitting.

Amy is a mother of two amazing: girls, Claire and Alexis. She is a special educator at East

Ridge Middle School. In her spare time she is an active participant with numerous groups in-

cluding Lenovo Insiders, ChikFila Moms, Green Moms, Harpar's Bazaar Ambassador, Special

Olympics and her blog on SocialMoms.net. Amy requested $250 to purchase a Kindle Fire,

its case, adapter, and accompanying applications to help her students to learn more inde-

pendently.

Katie graduated from Lee University in Cleveland, TN with a bachelor's degree in Interdis-

ciplinary Studies with a K-6 licensure. She is teaching 4th grade math, science, and writing

this year, and also coaches Wolftever’s Science Olympiad team. She loves teaching interme-

diate grades and can't wait to experience another fantastic year with 4th grade! Katie is

originally from the Atlanta, GA area and currently lives in Chattanooga with her husband.

Katie requested $200 for materials to enhance classroom instruction in science and math but they will also

be used to enrich above grade level students in the 4th/5th grade Science Olympiad program. Katie has re-

quested a scale, a brain box circuit kit, and a K'Nex set.

Olivia Bagby, CGLA; Kathryn (Katie) Graham, Wolftever; Amy Dandy, East Ridge

Mini-Grant Recipients

Meet our recipients at the March meeting and find out how the grant projects

went!

P A G E 7 J A N U A R Y , 2 0 1 5

Alpha Phi Executive Board Meeting January 24, 2015 — Wally’s Restaurant in East Ridge

Minutes, as submitted by Danita Clark, Alpha Phi secretary

A L P H A P H I I N F O R M E R

The meeting was called to order by Jensi

Souders. The previous executive board

meeting minutes were read and accepted.

Susie presented the treasurer's report,

including a generous anonymous donation

earmarked for Chapter Success. Jeanette

gave us a yearbook report, and Lin and

Sharon updated us on the website and

newsletter.

In committee reports: Judy Nixon report-

ed on the success of our Belk charity sale

fundraiser ($724.04); Educational Excel-

lence reminded us of our upcoming Febru-

ary and March meetings, as well as the DKG High School essay contest; Sara Makemson reported from

Educational Services about our mini-grant recipients, and members volunteered to get in touch with any-

one who has yet to attend a meeting; the Planning committee needs members to look over the Strategic

Action Plan to help update it and suggest changes; and the Nominations committee needs nominations for

a new slate of officers by November/December of this year.

In new business, the board went over the Chapter President's report with Jensi to make suggestions of

projects, accomplishments, and other milestones to add to her report. Any nominations for the Distinc-

tive Service to Education honor were discussed, as well as a nomination for Order of the Rose. Program

and Membership committees will be creating a survey for next year's meeting dates and program ideas.

Upcoming State Convention and Advanced Leadership Seminar events were discussed, as well as projects

to strengthen our chapter and pro-

mote growth.

After a very thorough and informa-

tive meeting, the board dismissed. The next meeting is Tuesday, Feb-

ruary 3rd at the downtown branch

of the Chattanooga Public Library,

at 5:30.

www.alphaphidkg.com

Website

L to R: Danita Clark, Lin Marten, Sandy Smith, Jensi Souders

L to R: Susie Westbrook, Sara Makemson, Jeanette Underwood, Judy Nixon

http://www.alphaphidkg.com

P A G E 8

A L P H A P H I I N F O R M E R

J A N U A R Y , 2 0 1 5

Results of Belk Charity Sale — by Judy Nixon

$470 was made from ticket sales by 13 chapter members plus one from our state president. $250.04 from work-ing day of sale by three members: Susie, Judy, and Mary. Since this was our first participation, this addition of $724.o4 helps our treasury. We missed our goal of all members selling 5 tickets each for $25 for all 47 members.

The money is currently used for mini grants for early career educators. In order for all members to participate, the next charity event will be in May and we have only the March chapter

meeting available to distribute tickets. The April meeting is the Founders' Day Luncheon. Suggestions at the Exec-utive Board meeting were the following:

Each member buy at least one ticket. You get $5 off a first purchase on the day of the sale. Sell at least 5 tickets each. Work at a front entrance in one block of time selling tickets one to three weeks before the actual sale.

Work at cashiers helping bag purchases day of sale (or where needed). Lastly, because tickets are only made available a few weeks before the sale, we will be taking reservations for tick-ets pre-sale and have them available at a specific location if you cannot get them at a prior meeting.

Suggestions are welcome. We are all learning.

Freely usable media…

You can find public domain and freely usable media files on the following websites:

Morgue File -- free image reference materials for illustrators, teachers, and creative pursuits

Pixabay - - digital and printed format free to use. More than 113,769 photos and 43,983 pieces

of clipart available

Wikimedia Commons - - a database of 23,862,199 (and growing) freely usable media files

Avoid copyright infringement

Happy Birthday to our Members

3rd: Mary Starnes

3rd: Teresa Wilhoite

9th: Marjorie Ogle

24th: Warisa Jarrett

January

5th: Cami Mitchell

6th: Dr. Judy Nixon

15th: Maryjo Baughman

22nd: Erin Grant

26th: Raquel Clark Harris

30th: Lin Marten

February